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Lying about Autism at Work

Kittera

Hi,

This is the first time I write about this.

When going for my first job (as a waitress to give you an idea) the contract asked for any mental condition, I couldn't put I had autism down. It felt pointless to me to automatically put myself down as the black sheep. Nothing to do with shame but it felt that them knowing, I might react differently. It's been three months in employment and I am afraid of getting fired already because my autism is so well obvious. I've even avoided going to the dining hall because I am afraid my behaviour could scare the customers and I've been reprimanded by my boss twice due to my "rude behaviour" don't you know.

I am scared of what comes next.

The reason I am afraid to get fired is that I lied about my contract or that another unexplained incident about my behaviour could get me fired. And you can understand why I don't want to say "Hey I am autistic" as an excuse every time. I don't know what to do... when I am working, my autism and behaviour are all I can think of. 

Any advice on how to deal with this?

Parents

  • I understand not disclosing in the interview as a lot will make excuses why they don't want to hire you or just hide it under the BS generic "we felt at this time you were not suitable for the position" when really they are ableist dirt that wouldn't hire an autistic person. However now your foot is in the door you can disclose it  and if they suddenly decide to treat you badly, reduce your hours, or try to bully you out of the position or let you go because of your autism, etc you are protected under the equality act. If they do that then you can appeal to higher management or take legal action against them for unfair treatment. And once disclosed they do have to make some reasonable adjustment to help you perform your role as an employee.

    (Edits to correct bad dyslexic errors.)

Reply

  • I understand not disclosing in the interview as a lot will make excuses why they don't want to hire you or just hide it under the BS generic "we felt at this time you were not suitable for the position" when really they are ableist dirt that wouldn't hire an autistic person. However now your foot is in the door you can disclose it  and if they suddenly decide to treat you badly, reduce your hours, or try to bully you out of the position or let you go because of your autism, etc you are protected under the equality act. If they do that then you can appeal to higher management or take legal action against them for unfair treatment. And once disclosed they do have to make some reasonable adjustment to help you perform your role as an employee.

    (Edits to correct bad dyslexic errors.)

Children
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